Citizens,
The Montezzi realm has broken their word and breached their treaty with the people of Old Sanctuary. This puts the Ward back into our possession. Moving in, however, undoubtedly leads us to war. Depending on how things develop, this may be exactly what happens. I am telling you these things, because you will have a role to play in these times. Keeping these facts secret would leave you less prepared and we need every man, woman and child with us now. We need a united Sanctuary to face that which will come.
Many of you are proponents of war, in fact, I find that most of the city thinks it inevitable. While I have no doubt we would be victorious, what worries me is the future that would lay for us afterward. Certainly, Sanctuary would live on, but it would do so at a cost. More then just the lives of brave men and women on the battlefield, it would cost us our economy, our ore and our food supply. Those brave dead who would lead us to victory would no longer be around to lead afterwards. If I rushed to war without considering such things, I would not be doing my job as council. I have a responsibility to consider every citizen, and to do what is best for the whole of the city. However, it remains a cost we must be willing to pay.
I've a responsibility also, to do what is right. Montezzi will pay for his crimes or honor dictates the he must face the sword. No matter the cost of war, it can not compare to what would happen if we did not remain vigilant. If he wishes to make enemies of our state, he will have such an enemy. We will be worse then a nightmare, we will be harbringers of death and destruction upon he and his subjects. Montezzi's ambitions for upper end now. His lies and deceits toward us end now. His entitlement ends now. It will end, or he will end.
Towards this purpose, a new treaty will be offered, one less coated with milk and honey then the former one he so idiotically breached. A treaty that will secure us the ore, food and trade that will allow our city to thrive. A treaty that will last this time, and ensure that our nation will continue to grow and expand for years to come. Montezzi will accept it or face our combined might. There will be no room for compromise.
So, rally yourselves, citizens. Whatever the outcome, it is Sanctuary that will prevail. Expect peace and prepare for war. Stand united behind your leadership, Azzam, Simms and Lewis. Stand with the Council, with Nobility and with Peasantry. Stand with your Fellow Man. With pen or sword this shall play out, and your role in these times will make all the difference. For Sanctuary!
-Ambassador Rook
